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In spite of what you see in Bollywood movies, Indian society tends to be conservative when it comes to clothing. Deciding what clothes to take on a mission trip to India will largely depend on where you are going and what activities you are doing, although in all cases, dress conservatively so that ‘immodest’ clothing will not detract from the purpose of your trip.

Considerations

Weather in northern India and the Himalayan regions can be bitterly cold, while the coast and inland plains areas can be boiling hot. Before you start packing, find out exactly where you are going and what the average seasonal temperatures are during your proposed trip. If you will be working in a large city, both men and women can wear conservative western clothes.

Women's Clothing

Wear loose clothing that conceals the chest, butt and hips. Most Indian women wear shalwar kameez, an outfit with loose pants and a long shirt that comes to the knees or lower. You can wear tunic tops or knee-length dresses on top of your trousers. Many foreign women buy ready-made or tailor-made shalwar kameez on arrival in India. Long skirts with tunic tops are also an option. A dupatta, scarf, to cover your hair and drape over your chest is another wardrobe essential, and if you are in mountain areas you should bring thermals.

Men's Clothing

Many Indian men wear western clothes, so packing for the men is easier. T-shirts and jeans will do in most places, although you should only want to wear shorts in areas that are used to seeing tourists like Goa, Mumbai or other major cities. Loose, cotton clothes are best for hot areas, and warm, woolen clothing with thermal underwear are best for mountain areas.

Footwear

Bring one nice pair of dress shoes or sandals, one pair of sneakers, and your trekking boots if you plan on using them. In cities, people tend to wear nicer shoes, and women almost always wear heeled sandals. Ladies may want to pack or buy a pair of cute, strappy sandals for any scheduled parties or events.

Warnings

Unless you plan to be on the beach in Goa or at a pool in a five-star hotel, leave your bikinis, halter tops, muscle tanks, low-cut shirts, non floor-length skirts and shorts at home. Don't bring any clothing or accessories you couldn't live without. Leave your expensive jewelry, including wedding and engagement rings, at home.

If you are not dressed appropriately, you will not be able to enter temples or mosques. What may be modest clothing in your home country may be considered immodest in India, so if you want to make a positive impact, it is important to adjust your dress to the culture.

References

About the Author

Heather Carreiro is a certified English teacher who has been writing since 2008. The editor of Matador Abroad, her work has appeared online at BootsnAll, Matador Network, GoNOMAD, Journey Beyond Travel and Expat Women. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in linguistics and Middle Eastern studies from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and is pursuing a Master of Arts in English at Bridgewater State University.

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